Our goal is to give you the most up-to-date, accurate information about your state DMV's processes. The date you see here reflects the most recent time we've verified this information with your state DMV. When they change something, we do, too!

Getting a driver's license for the first time is a monumental experience for any teen. The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has a Minor Driver Licensing Law in place that applies to all teen drivers under 18 years old.

This page outlines the stages you will need to complete as required by the law, and what you need to do to get your first North Dakota driver's license.

New to North Dakota?

If you have recently moved to North Dakota, you must transfer your out-of-state driver's license within 60 days of becoming a ND resident. You are a resident if you have lived in the state for 90 days consecutively and are NOT any of the following:

For more information on transferring your out-of-state driver's license, or to check if you can transfer your learner's permit, contact the NDDOT.

North Dakota GDL Program

In an effort to minimize the risks associated with new drivers on the road, North Dakota requires all teenagers to complete certain milestones prior to obtaining a full driver's license. Many of these important milestones are age- and experience-related.

You are required to complete the following stages:

Learner's permit.

Minor's restricted driver's license/provisional.

Full, unrestricted driver's license.

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Age Requirements

Learner's permit: 14 years old.

Minor's restricted driver's license/provisional: 15 years old.

Full, unrestricted driver's license: 16 years old.

North Dakota Learner's Permit

The first step to getting your first driver's license is applying for your ND instruction permit (or learner's permit). You can apply once you turn
14 years old.

Instruction Permit Restrictions and Next Steps

Your ND learner's permit allows you to drive
ONLY while supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old and has had 3 years of driving experience. Your supervisor must be seated in the front passenger seat.

You must hold your learner's permit for a specified period of time before you can move on to your minor's restricted driver's license:

14 years old to 15 years old: 1 year or until you are 16 years old, whichever comes first. (Must be at least 6 months).

Under 18 years old: 6 months or until you are 18 years old, whichever comes first.